Quick preface:

We realize some of the points in this guide are common sense, but – trust us – there’s a story behind each of them. We previously owned a vacation home in Carolina Beach for five years & learned A LOT about sharing a place – including some costly lessons. With our new home on Topsail Island, we’re hoping to put the trial-and-error of home-sharing behind us. We know most folks are inherently courteous, responsible, & savvy – otherwise, we wouldn’t be doing this. Still, there’s no harm in giving too much info rather than not enough. 😊😊

  • IF YOU ARE UNHAPPY WITH SOMETHING, please let us know. (Likewise, if you’re happy with something, let us know, too 😊. Everyone is different, so we depend on your feedback to understand what works & what can be improved. If you find something’s not up to par, please let us know & give us a chance to fix it, rather than not saying anything & then leaving a negative review. That’s doesn’t help you enjoy your vacation. Also, this is our vacation getaway, too, so chances are, if something is amiss, we’re probably not aware & want it fixed as much as you!
  • Getting here: Our address is 619 Ocean Dr, North Topsail Beach, NC 28460. Once on Topsail Island, stay on the main road (the only thru-way: Highway 210/Island Drive). Turn on Chestnut Street towards the ocean. Turn left on Ocean Dr. The house is a deep blue color and is on stilts – the 6th house on the street. There is a also map below for your convenience.
  • Check-in is 3pm; Check-out is 10am: Unless other arrangements are made, it’s important to stick to these times so the cleaners/maintenance have enough time to get their jobs done. If you’re late checking out & housekeeping arrives, they will tattle on you, and then bill us for an extra cleaning visit. Plus, the next guest’s check-in time could potentially be affected. So…just pay it forward and check out on time. Also, if you happen to arrive a little early, please do not go upstairs & interrupt the cleaners; this will only delay your check-in (and please don’t block the cleaner’s car in). We always try to give folks an early check-in or late check-out whenever possible, but it’s not often doable, especially in warmer months.
  • Travel Insurance: If you haven’t already, you’re strongly encouraged to purchase travel insurance prior to your trip in case of emergency trip cancellations & other incidents that may arise. This is especially crucial during hurricane season. Policies run as low as $28 and can be easily purchased online. We always purchase travel insurance when we travel – you just never know what may come up – so we hope you’ll do the same. The best-rated, lowest-priced I’ve found is RoamRight. Other companies: Squaremouth, AIG Travel Guard, & Allianz Travel Insurance. Note: We have no affiliation with nor do we specifically endorse any insurer; we’re only providing options based on past experiences and research.
  • Parking: There is room for 4 average-sized cars (2 in the carport, 2 in the driveway). If you drive a Ford F-150 SuperCrew with an 8-inch lift and 33″ tires, then you might want to leave one car at home. Got a boat on a trailer? Feel free to bring it, as there is room. You may be able to park on the right side of the driveway, but it is very sandy, so a 4×4 is recommended. The town prohibits parking on the street. FYI: We recently noticed that folks appear to be driving through the backyard. Please don’t do this, as it’s not a driveway – plus it’s sandy & your car could get stuck.
  • Access: Please use the front/ocean-facing door rather than the side door. A rogue gust can send that side door (and anyone in its way) flying, so we decided it’s better to only use the front door (side door remains locked). ­­
  • Keyless entry: Checking in is a breeze. You just get there and let yourself in.
    • Your 4-digit code will be given to you when we speak prior to arrival. To unlock, punch in code & deadbolt will automatically unlock.
    • When leaving, press the lock icon (🔒. . . at bottom of keypad) and it locks itself (if a red “x” appears & a beep sounds, then it didn’t lock – just pull it tight & try again).
    • In case of a lock malfunction, don’t panic: There is a backup key available. Just call us, and we’ll get you in there asap.
  • SAND! 😫PLEASE be wary of the potential damage that sand can cause – it scratches floors, furniture, and glass, & it also damages plumbing, especially the washer/dryer. Rinse off sand in the outdoor shower or hose located in carport (see diagram below), & shake out all towels & beach gear outside. Please hang all beach towels to dry on the clothesline.
  • Dunes: With that said, our relationship with sand is very complicated. Sand can be either friend or foe, depending on where it’s located. Our sand dunes are precious – and protected – and still trying to recover from Hurricane Florence. Please do not back your car into them or walk on them. (Warning: The town will issue tickets for encroaching on dunes).
  • Security: As mentioned in the listing, there is a Ring camera located in front of the stairs to the home – it’s a must since the house is sometimes vacant. For your privacy, the camera is deactivated after your arrival, though the light stays on (with that being said, if we hear a concern from a neighbor, we do reserve the right to activate it and confirm there isn’t a party or the like going on – which did, in fact, happen last year when someone decided to hold a wedding reception — ON OUR PORCH 😳). There are some other old cameras around the carport that aren’t recording anything – they’re not even functional or connected – the prior owner had them up and we haven’t yet taken them down.
  • Weather station: If you happen to be a weather buff, we have a new weather station installed on the front porch, so feel free to view the live data here, and there is a dashboard inside, as well.
  • Contact Info: We can be reached at 609-792-9060 (alt: 913-972-5212 for my husband, Craig) – texting will usually be the best way to get a hold of us for non-urgent questions, but for urgent issues, please call AND text (and even email: carriestewartnc@gmail.com). 
    • For life-or-death emergencies, call 911.
    • For beer-shortage emergencies, there is a Friendly Mart just 2 miles away at 1707 N New River Dr, Surf City, NC.
    • And for wine-shortage emergencies, unless you enjoy a good hangover, I’d suggest you skip the Boone’s Farm at the Friendly Mart and go to the IGA store just down the road on the island in Surf City.

Diagram of outdoor space